The Lions added a future Hall of Famer on Wednesday when they were awarded defensive end Dwight Freeney via waivers from the Seahawks.
Freeney should be able to provide a spark to the pass rush even though he is 37 years old.
Detroit’s defensive line has become a weak spot due to season-ending injuries to Haloti Ngata and Kerry Hyder. To make matters worse Ziggy Ansah has missed the last two games with a back injury. He is questionable to play on Thanksgiving against the Vikings at Ford Field.
Freeney is unlikely to suit up to face the Vikings on Thursday since he had to travel to Detroit and also he played 18 snaps for Seattle in their loss to the Falcons on Monday night.
Freeney may not jump in until the Lions’ next game at the Ravens on Dec. 3.
Five things to know about Freeney:
1. He played in four games for the Seahawks this season and had three sacks. He was released by Seattle on Tuesday, apparently as a cap casualty.
2. This is his 16th NFL season. He has played for Seahawks (2017), Falcons (2016), Cardinals (2015), Chargers (2013-14), and the Indianapolis Colts from 2002 through 2012.
3. He has a relationship with Lions coach Jim Caldwell from their years together with the Colts. That could be a key reason the Lions are taking a chance on him. Also reportedly he’s not breaking the bank.
4. Freeney has 125.5 career sacks. In his first four years with the Colts, he was good for 51 sacks. He had three sacks in four games for Seattle this year. Originally he was a first-round pick (11th overall) in the 2002 draft out of Syracuse. He set a rookie record with nine forced fumbles in 2002 with the Colts. He was runner-up for NFL defensive rookie of the year.
5. Freeney won a Super Bowl ring with the Colts in 2006. He’s been voted to the Pro Bowl seven times and has been All-Pro first team three time. He’s on the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.
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